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Topic: Wind Drag of panniers vs trailer (Read 5926 times)

Has anyone thought of the pros and cons of front/rear panniers to a trailer when thinking about the amount of wind drag. Question 1. Which has a greater wind drag ? Question 2. Does the amount of wind drag offsets any weight difference?

I can't really speak to your question about the difference in wind drag between panniers and trailers. But I know panniers have quite a bit. Riding west over Monarch Pass in Colorado on Highway 50, I was able to keep my touring bike under 40 mph the whole way down. I sat up with hands on the hoods so that caught quite a bit of wind. But the front and rear panniers and handlebar bag helped in the drag department. When riding at more normal speeds on the flat I never noticed an exceptional amount of wind resistance from the panniers. I'd also suggest not using this as a criteria to choosing between the two.

I used a BOB trailer for my cross country this past summer and rode side by side with pannier loaded bikes. We did coasting comparisons to test this wind drag thing. Even though I was a much bigger rider (6'-2" on the biggest cannondale frame made) I easily coasted much farther and faster. This was at regular cycling speeds of about 12-14mph. I think it does make a big difference and would use it as one of the criteria for choosing between the two. The only down side to trailers that I can see is that they are a pain to ship, take on planes, trains, busses or just getting in and out of motel rooms.Greg

Here's a site that I found helpful:-http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gearguy/200310/20031029.htmlAlso:-http://www.quik-pak.com/Panniers%20or%20trailers,%20Quik-Pak%20Testimonials.htmFrieghting trailers and access to motels is more difficult for sure, but, packing is easier/quicker with trailers without having to balance the load. Strong crosswinds will be easier to handle without panniers. Your suspension will work better and you will have less flats. Think about getting a 2-wheel trailer that does not put half the weight on your rear wheel. The single wheel trailers are primarily designed for narrow trails, so 2 wheels may work better for you. I think drag is a neglible factor at touring speeds but once again I believe the trailer comes out ahead. Your bike will be easier to control without the extra weight in my personal opinion.Take a look at this trailer which is my choice for many reasons, it is also the only folding, easy to ship trailer I have found:-http://www.quik-pak.com/Quik-Pak%20bicycle%20trailer.html

I have toured with pannies an with BOB.The best thing about BOB is that it changes the way the bike handles it cuts wind drag and you lose the pregnant elephant feel of a loaded bike !

The worst thing about BOB is that it changes the way the bike handles . Because of the slight play in the way BOB attaches to the bike BOB will shift right and left ( yaw ) this condition is worst on fast down hills with cross wind and or big trucks .The normal reaction when a bike suddenly jerks is to stear in the opposite direction , this causes the bike to jerk the opposite . This condition continues until you feel you are loosing control of the bike ! It took about two week into my ride to stop reacting to the first shift and ride down hill comfortably .